Learning Ally

"Literacy Leadership" The Learning Ally Podcast

We are growing a community of educators dedicated to literacy leadership. Our mission is simple: to smash the literacy gap by applying evidence-based reading practices to all grades and all stages of a student's reading journey, effectively influencing up, down, and sideways to drive the best outcomes for all. This is a place where educators empower each other through relationship building, storytelling, vulnerability, and intentionality. We believe that when educators are empowered, students succeed.

Author

Learning Ally

Category

Education

Podcast website

learningally.org

Latest episode

Jun 10, 2025

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Episodes

Literacy Change-makers: Tomorrow's Literacy Leaders 16.01.2024

In this episode of our Change-makers podcast miniseries, Dr. Terrie Noland is joined by co-hosts Linda Diamond, Dr. Tracy White Weeden, and Dr. Tim Odegard to converse with guest Dr. Stephanie Stollar. Dr. Stollar discusses how we should educate pre-service teachers about the science of reading. She stresses on the 'silo-effect' and the importance of integrating teaching approaches within...

Literacy Change-makers: Navigating Multilingual Literacy 09.01.2024

In this episode of the Change-makers podcast miniseries from Learning Ally, literacy experts discuss strategies, opportunities, and challenges in improving literacy for multilingual learners. The discussion is led by co-hosts Linda Diamond, Dr. Terrie Noland, Dr. Tracy Weeden, and Dr. Tim Odegard, as they talk with featured guest Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, a bilingual expert and literacy advocate. T...

Literacy Change-makers: Embrace Change & Implement with Purpose 19.12.2023

In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the journey of literacy transformation with Dr. Robert Sahli, Assistant Superintendent in Lodi Unified School District, California. The discussion covers a range of topics like the importance of phonemic awareness and phonics, the impact of coaching and continuous professional development, and the importance of early interventions and systematic instru...

Literacy Change-makers: Developing Educator Knowledge 12.12.2023

In this episode, guest Dr. Rebecca Tolson shares her valuable insights on literacy leadership, transformation, and the importance of professional development. She emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to literacy, incorporating structured literacy, and stresses the importance of coaching and support for teachers' growth. The need for decision-making based on a balance of qualitative and...

Literacy Change-makers: Fostering Literacy from Within and Without 05.12.2023

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Rodriguez discusses her work as Superintendent of Pajaro Valley Unified School District in transforming literacy education. She shares how implementing targeted literacy programs, committing administrators to learning, and directly working with teachers and the community have led to major improvements. The discussion focuses on the district's success with systemic...

Literacy Change-makers: Change Leadership 28.11.2023

Join us for this fifth episode of our miniseries, where our co-hosts are joined by the illustrious Dr. Art Cavazos, a dedicated educator and visionary administrator. Explore Dr. Cavazos' inspiring journey and gain profound insights into implementing change in the education context. Discover the importance of crafting a vision, fostering a growth mindset, and overcoming opposition with persiste...

Literacy Change-makers: Implementation at the Speed of Trust 14.11.2023

Welcome to an eye-opening episode where we're joined by Dr. Allison Peck, a leading expert in literacy education from the Neuhaus Education Center. Dr. Peck delves into the pivotal topic of the implementation of the Science of Reading and its potentially profound impact on our schools and communities. We’ll discuss the pressing need for structured literacy and how it's transforming the way...

Literacy Change-makers: Literacy is Our Bedrock 07.11.2023

Join our co-hosts and Kareem Weaver as they discuss the profound impact of literacy on society. From its historical context to its connection to social justice, literacy has shaped the course of human existence. In an increasingly digital and knowledge-based economy, access to literacy is essential for success and equal opportunities. The conversation delves into the school-to-prison pipeline and...

Literacy Change-makers: Our Why 31.10.2023

In this episode, our esteemed co-hosts share their personal journeys and highlight the characteristics of effective literacy leaders. They emphasize the need for leaders who are constant learners, empower their educators, and provide the necessary resources and support. They also discuss the moral imperative of ensuring literacy for all children and the transformative power of words and storytelli...

Literacy Change-makers: Current Status of the Literacy Landscape 24.10.2023

This is the opening episode in a Change-makers podcast miniseries featuring co-hosts Dr. Terrie Noland, Linda Diamond, Dr. Tim Odegard, and Dr. Tracy White Weeden. Our hosts discuss the importance of literacy leadership and the impact of literacy on individuals and society. They reflect on past efforts such as Reading First and Common Core, and discuss the lessons learned and the need for continuo...

Literacy Leaders Lead From Their Classrooms 17.10.2023

This week Dr. Terrie Noland talks with educator, Chris Heim, whose journey in education has led him to understand literacy leadership doesn't necessarily mean title; it means leading where you are. Chris, an educator with administrator experience who ultimately went back into the classroom, and now is in a Specialist role talks about his "why" and how focusing on students' develo...

Literacy Leaders Have Hopes and Dreams 10.10.2023

Welcome back to the podcast! Summer break is done, and we're geared up for a dynamic season of content, community, and conversation. In this episode: Dr. Terrie Noland sits down with two active, passionate, and engaged educators who serve as Ambassadors in the Learning Ally Educator Community. Rachel Huber and Leana Malinowsky are boots-on-the-ground educators who are leading large in literacy...

Literacy Leaders Leave Footprints 06.06.2023

Do you realize there are several ways to leave footprints in this world, whether you are doing it consciously or unconsciously? Footprints can be left for good or left that creates negativity. Footprints can also be so light and insignificant that they get washed away by the next wave that comes along. In this podcast, Dr. Terrie Noland reminds us why we need to leave big, bold, strong, positive f...

Literacy Leaders Attend Spotlight on Dyslexia 23.05.2023

This week Dr. Terrie Noland sits down with Dr. Molly Ness to dive in to the history and the current impact of Learning Ally's Spotlight on Dyslexia conference. They highlight some speakers and bring to light the energy and the feeling of community that is found at this epic event. Join us! Register at www.learningally.org/SPOD Use coupon code SPOD23PODCAST for $20.00 off

Literacy Leaders Take Their Meds 16.05.2023

This podcast space is a place where we not only focus on literacy and leadership, but we focus on the humans that bring Literacy Leadership to life. In this week's episode, Dr. Terrie Noland, takes a concept from Brendon Burchard, to help us center ourselves on how we can show up every day in the best way possible. This episode will leave you inspired to take your meds.

Literacy Leaders Love Teacher Appreciation Week! 09.05.2023

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to this podcast community! This week, Dr. Terrie Noland is joined by Elizabeth Zwerg, Community Manager at Learning Ally for a conversation around teacher appreciation. The Learning Ally Educator Community is a place of love and literacy leadership for everyone in it. In the conversation, we discuss: how big of a splash Teacher Appreciation Week is at Learning Ally,...

Literacy Leaders Think Big But Act Small 02.05.2023

If we are working toward a collective vision of students become skilled and competent readers, we must hold that vision, but it's only through the small, repeated actions we take every day that will get us there. This podcast highlights how we need to hold that big vision but create consistency in our learning, growth and in the actions we take every day, and before long, we are close to our B...

Literacy Leaders Put the "TEN" in Po"TEN"tial 18.04.2023

We are following up on a thought from last week's podcast that said that we only use about 10% of our potential. What does that mean and what does potential look like, feel like, and sound like. This podcast dives into what potential is and how we can release the potential in our lives as well as the lives of our students.

Literacy Leaders Live A Life of You Squared 11.04.2023

A simple book recommendation turned into thinking about how living a life of you squared can catapult us to the next level of literacy leadership. This episode highlights some simple principles that can be applied to living a life that creates velocity in this work. Based on the book by Dr. Price Pritchett, we will learn the upleveled life that can have a tremendous impact on students.

Literacy Leaders Look for Commonalities 28.03.2023

A literacy leader move that you can make is to connect with others while looking for commonalities rather than leading by directing. In this podcast, Dr. Terrie Noland gives a t-chart mental model of how to lead from a place that puts we before me. The podcast ends with a national example of a group of individuals that are leading literacy by looking for commonalities. Webinar: Moving Past the Rea...

Literacy Leaders Lead With Passion and Purpose 14.03.2023

Dr. LaTisha Smith, Director of Professional Development at St. Louis Public Schools in Missouri joins this week to share about why she has committed herself to the growth and development of thousands of educators in her district. She understands first-hand the power that comes along with professional learning and why it matters so much in literacy. In this podcast, we will highlight the leader mov...

Literacy Leaders are on a Journey 07.03.2023

This week we are joined by a literacy leader that shares her journey from Balanced Literacy into the Science of Reading. As with many literacy leaders, Jeanne Schopf had the personal experience of her daughter's struggles with reasons which drive her passion to learn and discover more. You will hear about Jeanne's journey as well as what made her leave the classroom. Jeanne's story will most likel...

Literacy Leaders Do What They Ask Others To Do 28.02.2023

We can learn a lot from Michael Jordan. He never asked others to do what he was not willing to do himself. As administrators, we need to lead large in literacy by getting to know the discrete elements of teaching reading that is proven by research. This podcast gives reasons why top level positional leaders should commit to understanding the Science of Reading at a deep level. When you are grounde...

Literacy Leaders Engage in High Quality Professional Learning 21.02.2023

Brent Hartsell, Director of Solutions, Professional Learning joins the podcast this week to discuss key elements that should be included in professional learning. He shares the importance of respecting educator voice, while sharing knowledge and allowing for opportunities to practice what has been learned. Brent's passion for learning shines through and gives us critical elements to look for in hi...

Literacy Leaders Love Out Loud 14.02.2023

On this Valentine's Day, we want to remind our listeners what it means to love out loud. To lead in such a way that we love first before we ever try to influence. This podcast highlights business case examples of individuals that have loved our loud to increase their influence.  These case examples should be transferred to education.  Happy Valentine's Day! We love you! Become a Feature...

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